A Night at the Opera

I had a wonderful and jam-packed weekend. Saturday night I went to the opera. My friend (and prom date from over a decade ago) Ricky was in the chorus, and got me a ticket. To my surprise it was 5th row center. The performances were amazing and the sets awe-inspiring.

The opera was about a pair of doomed lovers. Of course you can't imagine why this might speak to me.

I went unescorted and I learned something. I enjoy my own company. It would have been wonderful to have someone to share in the experience with me, but I'm finally okay with being alone.

Before my last serious relationship, I did alot of things all by myself. I went to concerts, plays, restaurants and even the occasional movie alone. If I really wanted to do something, and had no one to go with me, I'd go anyway.

When my ex came along, I leaned upon him as my constant date. We didn't always do the things I wanted to, but there was always someone with me. How lame is that?

This is part of getting back a piece of myself that was lost. I love a live performance. Comedy clubs, plays, music, opera, ballet, even my niece's dance and piano recitals draw me in like nothing else can. I've sat on the front row of a black box theater and silenty cried my eyes out. I've danced like no one was watching at a concert. And once again, this weekend, I laughed and cried along with the audience at the opera. There's something strangely intimate about sharing art with a room full of strangers. Watching other artists puts stars in my eyes. It takes me back to being a child sitting with mom and dad and thinking someday I'm gonna be up there on that stage. And I have been blessed enough to have graced a few stages in my past. Looking forward I hope to grace a few more. I have a lot of performances left in me. Both as a participant and patron.

A friend suggested that I make a list of qualities I'm looking for in a mate. Appreciation of the arts ranks quite high on that list.

Right now I'm still getting to know myself again. As I learn more about what is non-negotiable for me I'll add more items to that list.

And to have a partner who will not only go to the opera, but won't have to be dragged there kicking and screaming is definitely a must for me.